Bottas leads Mercedes one-two in British GP practice — Motor racing

"The fans gave me a wonderful reception and it was not yesterday I was driving but the fact I was there still brings the Jackie Stewart factor and I am 78!"

After setting the practice pace, Bottas said: "We've started the weekend really well". The Dutch fans were out in force, filling the camp sites and the Max Verstappen grandstands, and it makes for a really good atmosphere.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he would be "happy to listen" to Formula One bosses if they proposed bringing a race to the city. His mind-set, his mentality, he's inspiring so many people who have issues whether its disability or had incidents and even for people like myself.

Raikkonen also had a big spin during the long runs late in FP2, trying to catch a slide at Becketts and overcorrecting his car, sliding into the gravel at high speed. Vettel had trailed Bottas by eight seconds prior to his stop and was able to put the hammer down while Mercedes kept the Finn out.

However, this does not necessarily mean that it won't host a race in 2020, it is just that it looks doubtful especially as there is no government backing available.

"It's good to be here". Jolyon Palmer was 18th - with his headline super-soft time 0.9s down on Nico Hulkenberg's. Now it's about time to fight back and hopefully that's going to happen in Silverstone.

The agents are looking for offers over £1.5 million from any eagle-eyed Formula One fans. The Brit was in cruise control by now and eventually crossed the finish line in first place ahead of Nick Heidfeld. Mercedes though seemed happy to remain on the yellow walled softs, and despite Max Verstappen's best efforts they remained top of the timesheet for the remainder of the session.

Max Verstappen's run of rotten luck never seems to end.

More cars moved on to the supersoft tyres as the session wore on, keen to explore the versatility of Pirelli's red marked tyre as a potential race tyre come Sunday. The goal is to win the British GP in front of my home crowd.

I think Red Bull was very happy. I think I do try to connect with the fans.

At the one-third mark, the top six were: Hamilton, Raikkonen, Ricciardo, Vettel, Alonso and Bottas.

"I turned it on a couple of times to receive a message but mostly I've tried to stay away from it".

Vettel still leads the championship with 171 points, followed by Hamilton on 151 and Bottas on 131 points. I can see why he was massively disappointed once again. "But luckily I'm well prepared for that".

"Misinterpreted things that have been written, who knows?"

Whilst a London street circuit would be undoubtedly an exciting addition to the F1 calendar, it is a huge blow to the sport (and to this weekend's racing in particular) that Silverstone has pit- stopped early. Lewis is a British world champion and he is going to be winning more titles. We're constantly seeing bits and pieces coming to those cars; they're pushing hard.

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